Working Out Your Faith Muscle
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4
How do you build muscle in your body? You exercise, right? You work out. You push through difficulties and discomfort to strengthen the muscles and ultimately become stronger. Building your faith works in a similar way.
Faith is like a muscle that grows supple and strong with exercise, and God wants us to build that muscle. If faith pleases God, then God will often allow us to experience the workouts that we need to build that spiritual muscle.
A Japanese Christian said, “A faith that does nothing, gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing.” It is no wonder that James declares these words, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).;
When you experience a trial in your life, do you throw up your hands and say, “Praise the Lord. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to have a trial like this”? This is what the Scripture says we should do. “Consider it pure joy, when you go through some tough times.” That certainly is a different mentality! The principles of the Christian life are inverted from our life as humans. God knows that you have to be stretched. That faith muscle must be tested in order for it to grow. But the outcome is always worth the workout.
How do you build muscle in your body? You exercise, right? You work out. You push through difficulties and discomfort to strengthen the muscles and ultimately become stronger. Building your faith works in a similar way.
Faith is like a muscle that grows supple and strong with exercise, and God wants us to build that muscle. If faith pleases God, then God will often allow us to experience the workouts that we need to build that spiritual muscle.
A Japanese Christian said, “A faith that does nothing, gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing.” It is no wonder that James declares these words, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).;
When you experience a trial in your life, do you throw up your hands and say, “Praise the Lord. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to have a trial like this”? This is what the Scripture says we should do. “Consider it pure joy, when you go through some tough times.” That certainly is a different mentality! The principles of the Christian life are inverted from our life as humans. God knows that you have to be stretched. That faith muscle must be tested in order for it to grow. But the outcome is always worth the workout.
Subscribe Now
Recent
Archive
2026
January
Are You Living Like He's Coming?Are You Worth Following?Are Your Sins Confessed Up to Date?God's PlanBut Wait, There's MoreLean on God in UncertaintyCaught Off GuardLearning to Be AloneDoes Your Ministry Stick?Worrying Won't Get Your AnywhereDon't Waste Your PainJesus is Coming BackPraying According to God's WillWe are Different for a ReasonLearning to Say NoGod is Working In UsDon't Watch. Pray.It Will Cost YouJoy in the Middle of HellMinistry Happens in the Mess of Real LifeFaith That Doesn't Need AnswersThe Gospel Changes EverythingThe Question That Changes EverythingWhat are You Still Holding?When God Calls You to Small ThingsWhen Light and Darkness CollideWhen Love Changes EverythingWhen Your Faith Has a ReputationWorth the SacrificeYou Must Be Present to WinWhen God Nudges Your Heart
February
Jesus is Coming BackPraying According to God's WillWe Are Different For A ReasonLearning To Say NoGod Is Working In UsGod’s Plan Needs YouMinistry Happens Heart to HeartDon’t Abuse Your Free WillDo Your Words And Your Actions Matchup?Seek God FirstA Safe PersonTrust over WorryTruth Over ApplauseForgetting Your First LoveNever Stop WorshipingWalking Humbly with GodIt’s All About JesusPraise the LordPraying To Remind YourselfYou Made the TeamYour Pain Has a PurposeReal FriendsReplacing GodSpecific ConfessionSpiritual AlignmentThis World Is Not Our HomeOpen the GatesOne Life Is Worth It All
2025
January
Building Men Over MembershipsAre You Encouraging Others?Committing Others To ChristSharing Your StoryFaith Beyond Your FamilyGod’s Purpose In Your PainAligned PrayersPraying with PowerA Defining EncounterA Desire To ServeA Faithful and Helpful FriendRestoring Broken RelationshipsThe Power To RestoreA Guilt-Free LifeA Hand Of BlessingA Heart Of RepentanceAllowing God To Do The ChangingAre You Feeling Stuck?Trust His HeartBe Ready For InterruptionsFull of the Holy SpiritDefeating DepressionPowerful Prayers and a BurdenThe Triumphal EntrySurrender Your Life to ChristGratitude Is The Gateway To ContentmentGratitude Is A Defense Against AnxietyDealing With DoubtFocus On The WordGiving and ServingListening Instead Of Talking
2 Comments
It seems that I get stretched a lot. But, I keep persevering because I know God and Jesus love me and are with me and helping me through to the end 💛
I know that Many days it seems as though things aren't going the way I had hoped they would. I recall JESUS saying You will have trials when you follow ME. Remember JESUS is Always there to See Us through those times. Nothing will ever stop Us if We stand on God's Word !